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ST. LOUIS (KMOX) –
Despite all its efforts in recent years, Missouri remains far-and-away the nation’s worst puppy mill state.

A new report is out from the Humane Society, and the list of offenses at Missouri dog-breeding facilities fills page after page—nine puppies dead in one week, animals smeared in their own waste with matted clumps “as large as baseballs,” and dogs that couldn’t walk or suffering from open wounds.

Humane Society of Missouri president Kathy Warnick says despite the findings, things are getting better in the Show-Me State.

“There were more than 1800 puppy mill breeders that were licensed in the state of Missouri,” she says. “Since the implementation of Canine Cruelty Prevention Act, the number of licensed breeders has been reduced to 864.”

She’s done her research and sees the consequences when dogs from an unethical breeder come to her.

While there are breeders in the state who take good care of their animals, there are others who don’t.

“There are breeders out there that take very good care of their animals and their breeding puppies, not to make money, but because they love the breed so much and want to share the joy of that breed with other people. We don’t have a problem with those types. It’s the people that are breeding hundreds of dogs, making them live in substandard conditions that are inhumane and cruel and doing it for the money.” she says.

According to the a new national ranking by the US Humane Society, Iowa is…

Stores that already do not sell puppies can sign up to show that they are taking a stand against puppy mills and to make official their policy of not selling puppies. Learn more »

2. Be an advocate

Our downloadable guides have ideas that can help propel you into action. They can also teach you how to work for the passage of laws in your own community that will improve the lives of dogs in puppy mills.

Or, you may order the more extensive kit that includes the guide as well as everything you’ll need to start spreading the word about puppy mills in your community, including printed materials, letter templates, tips for developing legislation, and activity ideas.

The kit is designed to help you discuss the puppy mill issue accurately and intelligently, whether speaking to friends and family or the local media: $3 each. Download the order form »

The HSUS Puppy Mill Task Force tip line is available to anyone with information on a possible crime involving puppy mills. If you witnessed deplorable conditions in person and wish to file a complaint with the HSUS, please call 1-877-MILL-TIP or report puppy mills online.

3. Contact your legislators

Contact your federal legislators and let them know that you’re concerned about the inhumane treatment of dogs in puppy mills and want the puppy mill issue to be a priority for Congress. Ask them to expand the reach of the Animal Welfare Act to include kennels that sell large numbers of puppies directly to the public.

4. Write letters to the editor

Writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper is a great way to get the word out about puppy mills in your community. Write your own version—a short, polite letter is most effective.

Large scale dog “factories”. Profit is given priority over the dog’s health. “Breeding at puppy mills is performed without consideration of genetic quality”, according to the ASPCA. Puppy mills usually house dogs in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, without adequate veterinary care, food, water and socialization. Puppy mill dogs do not get to experience treats, toys, exercise or basic grooming. To minimize waste cleanup, dogs are often kept in cages with wire flooring that injures their paws and legs.

How can YOU help stop puppy mills?

The most important thing you can do to help shut down puppy mills is refuse to shop at a store that sells puppies. You can also:

Take the Pledge. Pledge that you’ll never shop in a store that sells puppies—even if you’re just buying food or toys.

The ordinance would allow pet stores to sell animals from federally licensed breeders that have no more than five animals able to reproduce. Stores also could sell pets from government shelters, animal rescue groups, and humane societies.

The ban would go into effect in suburban Cook County in October, seven months earlier than a similar ban in the city of Chicago.

Before the vote, the board was told about inhumane conditions at some such facilities.

However, Petland regional director of operations Brian Winslow said the ordinance…